Helicopter Tour in Kauai (doors off)- Everything you need to know

Have you really been to Hawaii if you haven’t been on a helicopter tour? A bird’s eye view is the only way to see some of the remote landscapes. One of the best islands to do a helicopter tour is Kauai, since over 97 percent of their land is undeveloped and there are dramatic vistas over the Na’pali coast. 

With such a high price tag on an experience, you’ll want to be sure you choose the best operator. 

There are several helicopter companies that operate on Kauai. All the tour companies depart from Lihue (LIH) airport. We chose to ride with Airborne Aviation Tours on the Hughs 500 tour, with no doors! A no doors helicopter ride makes for a thrilling experience, making you feel like a cross between a super agent and an outdoor survivalist. 

Checking in to the Hughes 500 Helicopter Tour

We arrived promptly at the recommended time, 30 minutes before the scheduled tour time. Clear directions were provided in order to find the correct air field at the airport. It is a few minutes away from the commercial flights area where you’ll first arrive to Kauai. 

At the described location, we came to a chain link fenced off area where we parked and then rang the bell for assistance to get into the secure area. Someone quickly came out to verify our details and recommend that we leave any loose items in our car. They then brought us into the fenced area where there was a large trailer. The trailer house the office and waiting/instruction area. 

Once brought in we were checked in and weighed in order to determine the ideal distribution of weight on the helicopter. We were informed that since the members of our party had made separate bookings they could not confirm being on the same aircraft. Our party was separated due to this and their weight distribution calculations. 

I do wish more of an effort was made to keep us together, but I respect the work they do to keep the experience safe. I had assumed they would put us together just based on our last names matching, so do not make the same assumption I did. Reach out to the company beforehand if you would like to be seated together. 

Safety Briefing Before Helicopter Ride

After checking in we were led into the a seating area where they would be starting the safety briefing. There are several helicopters that go out around each time slot, so the room filled with about 20 people ready for the flight of their lives! At the appointed time, they began to review best practices of what to take, what to leave behind, and what to do in the case of an emergency. 

You are given one more opportunity to stash anything that might fly off and paired with your helicopter pilot. Seating assignments are announced at this time. We ended up in the back row of the helicopter, which still had amazing views. We all filed out and carefully made our way to the helicopters on the air field. You go out by group under supervision to ensure a safe environment. 

The staff then helps you to capture this picture perfect moment with family photos outside the helicopter. We were in for quite a treat, as the weather was spectacular that day, so the helicopter was able to go to every area and elevation. 

Seeing the Sights of Kauai by Helicopter

Breathtaking views were visible nearly right after takeoff. Starting with a coastal tour, then sailing high through the mountains, up to Kauai’s highest point. We found hidden waterfalls and lush valleys throughout. Coming across the Waimea Canyon State Park, we saw the ‘Grand Canyon of Hawaii’

Finally, we went up and down the most famous stretches of the Na’pali coast. We searched for dolphins and whales in the water and spotted the boat tours that traverse the coast. We had just been on that tour the day before, which offered a completely different perspective with the cliffs towering over you. Now those boats seemed especially small from the helicopter point of view. Offering plenty of chances to take pictures of this real-life Jurassic park and Manawaiopuna Falls from the blockbuster opening, we then continued around to the North shore, watching waves break on the reefs. 

We wrapped up the tour by delving into the wettest place on earth, Mount Waileale. Despite the blue skies everywhere, this area lived up to it’s name with a heavy mist and sudden shower. I scrambled to capture the area while still protecting my camera, but this was the moment that it really felt like the ‘soarin’ ride with every sense awakened by scents and rain enveloping us. 

The details provided by the pilot about Kauai’s natural features and history added depth to the whole tour, making it a very complete overview of the island. Once we landed, we took a moment to reflect on all the beauty we had just seen with a complimentary beverage back where we had checked in.

Would I Recommend this Tour in Hawaii?

Stunning views from a unique perspective with a qualified guide. The ride is relaxed, yet heart-pumping, and plenty long. The helicopter ride lasts about an hour and covering the best sights around the island, including many that are in accessible since they are private land. I definitely recommend this tour, as it will likely be the highlight of your trip!

Helicopter tours get filled up fast, so don’t just wing it and try to show up. Secure your spot ahead of time to this Hawaii bucket list experience checked off. Book this helicopter experience through Viator to get free cancellation, Viator cash rewards back on your booking, and you don’t have to pay till the day before the tour.

Trying to figure out the best time during your vacation to do this tour? Check out my 5 day Kauai itinerary to pick the best day and not miss some other great activities nearby.

Planning on visiting Oahu too? Don’t miss some of the free activities I’ve included in the Oahu itinerary.

Not sure if you have the budget for Hawaii? See how easy it is to save by using points and miles to fly and stay in Hawaii.

What to pack for a helicopter tour

• A light jacket, it can get chilly with the winds!
• A GoPro or similar action camera for stabilized videos, with wrist strap
• Sunglasses and sunglass leash
• Phone wrist strap, to keep secure during flight
• DSLR Camera, for high quality photos